By Drew Johnson

Friday, Oct 22nd, 2010 @ 11:21 am

Audi has announced a new version of its Q7 that promises to be the most fuel efficient model in the range. Branded as the 3.0 TDI, the new model will have a slight mileage advantage over the 3.0 TDI currently on offer.

As its name implies, the Q7 3.0 TDI employs Audi's 3.0L V6 diesel, albeit in a slightly de-tuned form. Whereas the current 3.0 TDI - which will remain on offer -- packs 240 horsepower, the new 3.0 TDI model will only muster 204 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

With that power routed through an eight-speed gearbox, Audi says the new 3.0 TDI model will deliver nearly 33mpg, which puts the Q7 3.0 TDI on par with four-cylinder mid-size sedans.

However, that fuel economy does come at a price, with the 3.0 TDI taking 9.1 seconds to hit 62mph. In comparison, the 240 horsepower 3.0 TDI takes 7.9 second to eclipse the same mark, with only a 1mpg penalty.

It remains doubtful that the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will even make it to our shores, but it's on sale now in Germany with a starting price of $71,000.

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